Vietnam is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse climate. It has become a major player in the global timber industry. Among the various species grown, Acacia is particularly notable. It offers significant economic and environmental benefits. This article explores the main Acacia growing regions in Vietnam. It highlights their unique features and their role in the country’s forestry sector.
Growth Characteristics
Acacia ranks as one of the most widely planted timber species in Vietnam due to its rapid growth, often reaching approximately 90 cubic meters of roundwood in just 6 years. Acacia trees thrive in various climates and soil types, with a preference for warm, tropical environments. They can tolerate drought conditions and poor soil quality to some extent, making them adaptable to different ecological settings. These qualities make Acacia growing areas in Vietnam highly productive and versatile for forestry activities.
(Acacia Planting Areas)
Total area of Acacia Plantation
By the end of 2021, local authorities reported that Acacia species covered over 2.2 million hectares, making up 60.1% of plantation forestry species. Eucalyptus species spanned over 330,000 hectares, representing 9.08%, while Pine species occupied over 250,000 hectares, accounting for 6.82%. Rubber trees covered over 222,000 hectares, or 6.02%, and other tree species collectively occupied nearly 665,000 hectares, representing 17.98%.
Source of Data: the Forestry Department
According to The Forestry Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the Northeast region is the largest area for acacia cultivation in the country, with over 0.77 million hectares, accounting for 33% of the total acacia plantation area in Vietnam. Following closely are the South Central Coast region (30%) and the North Central Coast region (3%). The Red River Delta and the Southeast region have the smallest areas for acacia cultivation.
Primary Acacia growing areas
The seven provinces with the largest Acacia growing regions are Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Tuyen Quang, Nghe An, Binh Dinh, and Thai Nguyen. These Acacia growing areas account for 46% of the total Acacia cultivation area in Vietnam.
(Source of Data: the Forestry Department)
In 2021, Vietnam’s Acacia wood production surged significantly, with an estimated harvest volume of nearly 47 million cubic meters. The Northeast region, South Central Coast, and North Central Coast, the top Acacia cultivation regions, produced approximately 15.5 million, 14.1 million, and 10.9 million cubic meters of Acacia wood in 2020, respectively. This substantial increase highlights the growing prominence of Acacia wood in Vietnam’s forestry sector and its pivotal role in driving the country’s timber export market.
Summary
Acacia wood has emerged as the most vital domestic source of timber in Vietnam. This versatile wood finds extensive use in a range of products, particularly in export-oriented wooden items, making it a key player in the country’s timber market. Known for its reliability and low risk as a raw timber source, Acacia wood primarily comes from households that the state has allocated land to for forest plantation development.
The expansion of Acacia growing areas has significantly contributed to the growth of Vietnam’s timber industry. By developing these plantations, the country not only enhances its timber production capacity but also creates numerous job opportunities and income sources for local communities. This impact is especially pronounced in mountainous regions, where Acacia cultivation helps improve livelihoods and supports sustainable development. The growing prominence of Acacia wood underscores its crucial role in both the domestic and export timber markets, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s forestry sector.
